The First Female Secretary Of Defense?

One person who could break the glass ceiling is Michele Flournoy, former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

…aides and strategists of both parties see the stock of Michèle Flournoy, the former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, rising to replace Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta when he leaves the Pentagon — likely early next year.

“I think she’s definitely getting a second look after Rice,” said a long-time Democratic defense policy hand, referring to U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice’s withdrawal from consideration for the post at State.

Feminist groups are also pushing the White House to appoint Flournoy.

“There is no doubt that the woman knows her business,” said Marie Wilson, the founder of the White House Project, which advocates for women to take on leadership roles in all spheres.

“It’s Defense — the area where we have the slowest movement of women into top positions,” she said. “It would be a breakthrough.”